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Category: Barcode

What is a 13-Digit GTIN Number and Why Is It Important for a Retail Product?

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) can be used by a company to uniquely identify all of its trade items. GS1 defines trade items as products or services that are priced, ordered or invoiced at any point in the supply chain.

If you’re planning to sell your products in a retail market and want to ensure its effective movement in the supply chain, you need to have a 13-digit GTIN number encoded in the barcode of your product.

Let’s understand what GTIN is and why it is important for your products.

What is GTIN and Why is it important for your products?

Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is an internationally recognized code to identify trade items that uniquely identify products globally and fetch accurate and efficient product information when scanned at the billing counters in a store or at a warehouse when receiving goods.

GTINs are also used in pharmaceutical drugs, where they are scanned while administering medication in a hospital to enhance patient safety or scanned while effecting receiving or dispatches at hospital store to maintain inventory, ensure faster processing.

Most commonly used GTINs are 13 digits code, known also as EAN code. Also, there are several different types of GTINs used on products. This includes:

  • GTIN 12: The GTIN-12 is encoded in UPC barcodes, which are predominantly used only in America and Canada. However, North American and Canadian companies have steadily been updating retail Point-of-Sale systems to be able to scan GTIN-13 and GTIN-8. If your trading partner still cannot scan these numbers, only then you will need to use a GTIN-12.

  • GTIN 13: European Article Number (EAN); 13 digit code used in the rest of the world including India. GTIN 13 (barcode number) in India starts with 890.

  • GTIN 8: Allows a smaller barcode to be used on smaller retail trade items.

  • GTIN 14: Used on general distribution trade items, not intended to be sold at the Point-of-Sale.

All GTINs, irrespective of their different digits or codes, have a similar structure under which each GTIN digit is made up of 4 components. The first component is Country Code which varies from country to country; the second part is Company Prefix, the length of which is functioned according to the company’s coding needs; the third component is Product Code, which is assigned by the brand owner to uniquely identify the product and the fourth component of GTIN is Check Digit, which is based on the previous digits and ensures that the GTIN is constructed properly.

Where are GTINs used? 

GTINs are used in various aspects, especially where a product needs identification. That also includes IT systems, physical entities, etc. GS1 Standards define how to format and structure the GTIN in various applications so that the same GTIN can be used to identify the product for any of those needs.

  • Physical products: GTINs can be encoded into both barcodes and RFID tags along with the serial number and affixed to products to facilitate accurate identification as products move along with the supply chain.

  • Business transactions: GTIN can be used in e-commerce business transactions in order to reduce errors and boost machine-to-machine processing.

  • Internet applications: They can be represented as a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) using GS1 Digital Link to support internet-based applications. 

  • Databases & IT systems: GTIN can provide each product an identifier that can be used in systems like inventory management, logistics, etc, that helps to maintain the connection between the systems to enhance the quality and amount of data.

Benefits of labelling your product

By identifying your products with a GTIN number, you can:

- Gain increased visibility of your product pages in Google searches

GTIN numbers when also used in product pages help you achieve better SEO results by improving the visibility of your product pages in Google search results.

According to Google, database sheets with GTIN codes are classified at a 40 percent higher click rate and earn 20 percent more sales.

- Free barcode management through DataKart service

With a GTIN number on the product, you can easily assign and manage your GTIN numbers through free access to GS1 India’s DataKart service. It will allow brand owners to upload product information from a one centralized location and its advanced features enable sharing the product data with multiple suppliers in one go in their respective native file formats/structures.

- Facilitate exports of your product worldwide

As GTIN numbers are internationally recognized, you can easily export your products across the globe with GTIN numbers, eliminating the need to identify your products differently for export purposes.

GTIN Structure

GTIN Structure includes a string of digits, it can be 8,12,13, or 14 digits in length to accommodate different product limitations. Depending on the length these structures are known as GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, and GTIN-14. The GTIN usually has the following elements:

  • Indicator Digit: Indicator Digit is a number that ranges from 1-8, that is used to identify packaging levels/hierarchy of a product.

  • GS1 Company Prefix: A globally unique number assigned to a company by a GS1 Member organisation in order to generate GS1 Identification keys like GTINs.

  • Item Reference: An Item Reference number, that has no logical explanation, it is just a number assigned by the user itself to identify a trade item. It’s length is based on GS1 company Prefix Length.

  • Check digit: The Check Digit is the last or final digit calculated from the preceding digits of the GTIN number. This digit is extremely important as this is used to check that the data is correctly collected.

GS1 and GTIN

If you want your product to be recognized in the marketplace, you need to have a GTIN code on the back of it, encoded in a barcode/RFID. GS1 – the global supply chain standards organisation, provides unique and universal identification to products through GTIN.

GTINs can also be used to uniquely identify products at different packaging levels; for instance- at the customer unit level, at the inner pack of the product, and at the carton/pallet.

After realizing the importance of GTINs in the supply chain, mostly all the brand owners are now labelling GTINs on their products to boost their visibility in the marketplace so that they can sell their products on various platforms.

Connect with GS1 India and reap all the benefits of GTIN number.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get a GTIN code?

If you want to sell your products on any e-commerce platform site, then you would have to register your business at GS1 India's official website for the allocation of GTINs. These are generated through their single repository for data of all the products in India - Datakart. This platform enables the online generation of GTINs and the management of all the product information at one place.

2. Is the GTIN code the same as the UPC?

A GTIN code and UPC are not the same in their structure. A GTIN code can have 8,12,13, or 14 digits, while a UPC can only have 12 digits. Another difference between these two is the fact that GTIN codes can be used globally, while UPCs can only be used in North America.

3. What is a 14-digit GTIN barcode?

GTIN-14 is a 14 digit number used to allocate trade items at different packaging levels. The encoding of barcodes of the GTIN-14 basically happens within an ITF-14 barcode, but various industries and applications use GS1-128 to encode GTIN-14s.

4. How do I find my GTIN number for my product?

GTIN also known as Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN) are used to identify every product sold on any e-commerce site. GTIN is a universal identifier that is found on the product's cover or packaging, either above or below the bar code.

5. Is GTIN different from barcode?

GTIN is a unique identifier number that is used in a barcode. It is the numerical form data, and the UPCs or EANs are the barcode images that contain the GTIN.

6. What is the difference between SKU, EAN and GTIN?

The SKUs are in the form of a series of numbers and letters that can change depending on the inventory of the product in a specific business. EAN is an international identifier in the form of a barcode image that has been involved in the GTIN system.

EPC-RFID Technology and the Industries

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

EPC codes, unique digital IDs for products, revolutionise tracking with RFID technology. They improve supply chain efficiency by enabling real-time visibility and inventory management, benefiting various industries.

What is the EPC Code?

The EPC code, or Electronic Product Code, acts like a unique digital fingerprint for a physical product. Imagine it as a serial number on steroids! This globally unique identifier, developed by EPCglobal, leverages RFID technology to allow for wireless tracking. Unlike barcodes that require a direct line of sight, EPC codes can be read from a distance. This translates to major improvements in supply chain efficiency. Businesses can track product movement in real time, gain instant inventory insights, and even combat counterfeiting – all thanks to the power of EPC codes.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): What is it?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves to wirelessly track and identify objects. Imagine tiny tags attached to products. These tags contain an antenna and a microchip. The antenna catches radio waves from a reader device, which then transmits a signal to the microchip. The microchip, in turn, transmits its unique identification data back to the reader.

This allows for contactless, automatic identification, offering several advantages over traditional barcodes. Here are some key benefits of RFID:

  • Faster and more efficient reading
  • Can read multiple tags simultaneously
  • Works without line-of-sight
  • Can store more data than barcodes

Overall, RFID revolutionizes tracking and identification in various industries, from retail and supply chain to access control and asset management.

EPC Operation: RFID Tags and Readers

The way we track products is undergoing a transformation powered by GS1 RFID technology, which utilises EPC (Electronic Product Code) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).

Here’s a breakdown of this dynamic duo:

  • EPC (Electronic Product Code): Imagine a unique digital fingerprint for every product. This standardized code, developed by EPC global, allows for global identification of items. Think of it as a supercharged serial number!
  • EPC RFID Tags: Picture tiny stickers with a microchip and antenna. Attached to the product, these tags store the EPC code. These EPC RFID tags are the workhorses of the system, enabling wireless tracking through EPC in RFID technology.
  • RFID Reader: This device emits radio waves. When the tag’s antenna picks them up, it activates, and the microchip transmits the EPC code back to the reader. This wireless communication eliminates the need for line-of-sight scanning, unlike traditional barcodes.
  • This seamless interaction between EPC codes and RFID technology (GS1 RFID) unlocks several benefits:
  • Wireless Reading: No more struggling with line-of-sight limitations like barcodes. GS1 RFID works from a distance, streamlining the tracking process.
  • Real-time Tracking: Readers can scan multiple EPC RFID tags simultaneously, providing instant product location data. This empowers businesses with real-time inventory insights.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: With real-time data, businesses can optimize supply chain management, improve inventory control, and gain valuable insights into product movement.
  • GS1 RFID, powered by EPC and RFID, empowers businesses to seamlessly track products, leading to greater efficiency, transparency, and improved decision-making across various industries. While EPC barcodes may still be used in some applications, GS1 RFID offers a powerful alternative for situations where traditional barcodes fall short.

EPC Applications in Different Sectors

EPC barcode, paired with RFID technology, are revolutionizing how various sectors manage their products:

  • Retail: Imagine checkout lines that scan your entire shopping bag at once! RFID with EPC enables faster purchases, improved inventory accuracy, and real-time loss prevention in stores.
  • Pharmaceutical Industry: Ensuring medication authenticity is crucial. EPC tracks drugs throughout the supply chain, preventing counterfeits and ensuring patient safety.
  • Logistics & Transport: Real-time tracking of shipments with EPC streamlines deliveries, minimizes delays, and optimizes routes, leading to cost savings and improved customer service.
  • Agriculture & Food: Track farm-to-table freshness! EPC monitors food products throughout the supply chain, ensuring proper storage conditions and enhancing food safety.
  • Manufacturing: Streamline production! EPC tracks components and finished goods in real-time, optimizing production lines and preventing inventory shortages.
  • Healthcare Sector: Improve patient care! EPC tracks medical equipment and supplies, ensuring their availability and optimizing sterilization processes.

These are just a few examples – the applications of EPC technology continue to expand across various sectors, driving greater efficiency, transparency, and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can EPC/RFID tags be part of a fabric label sewn into an apparel item?

Absolutely! Special fabric labels can be embedded with EPC/RFID tags, offering a discreet and durable solution for tracking apparel. These labels withstand washing and drying, ensuring the EPC RFID tag remains functional throughout the garment’s life.

2. Do EPC/RFID tags contain information about consumers?

No, EPC codes typically only hold product identification data (e.g., brand, size) and are not linked to specific consumers. Privacy regulations further safeguard consumer data when using GS1 RFID or EPC RFID technology.

3. How EPC is used in RFID?

EPC stands for Electronic Product Code. It’s the unique data (product code) stored on the RFID tag’s microchip. RFID technology allows the wireless reading of this EPC code by an RFID reader, enabling efficient tracking and identification of products using EPC in RFID.

4. What are the concerns relating to the use of RFID?

Some people have privacy concerns regarding potential tracking of individuals through RFID tags. However, EPC codes used in GS1 RFID and EPC RFID applications are usually not linked to specific consumers, and regulations control data collection and usage.

5. How does RFID impact consumers?

RFID can benefit consumers by improving product tracking with GS1 RFID or EPC RFID, potentially leading to faster checkouts, better product information access (e.g., through mobile apps), and improved product authenticity verification. However, some may be concerned about potential privacy issues.

6. Will RFID replace barcodes?

Not necessarily. While RFID offers advantages like wireless reading and storing more data, barcodes remain a cost-effective option for many applications. They might coexist and complement each other, with EPC/RFID being used for situations where barcodes fall short.

7. Is RFID new?

The core concept of RFID has been around for decades. However, advancements in miniaturization and chip technology have led to its wider adoption in recent years, making EPC/RFID a more viable solution for tracking and identification across various industries.

Scan Before Purchase and Become a Smart Consumer

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

With newer products being launched every year, consumers has a wider range of products to choose from. This wide accessibility is also attributed to various new players in e-tailing offering services in remotest corners of the country.

But despite all this, the retail scene looks grim. Consumer confidence in products is diminishing than ever before and with more awareness, consumers have started asking for product authentication as proof to rely on product claims.

Barcodes play an integral role in establishing product identity and verifying product claims. These black and white bars on the product label, which up till now considered just a convenience at point of sale counters, have starting gaining more and more importance from consumers’ perspective.  

Besides being used in several B2B operations, today barcodes are being considered by consumers as a gateway to truth. This is possible with the advent of various mobile scanning applications that enable consumers get more information on products and sometimes, verify the claims made on the product label. 

The premise of most of these applications is to provide complete product information to enable shoppers make the right purchase decisions since the insufficient / illegible information on product label, at times, cause hindrance. 

On such trusted mobile application is Smart Consumer app, which was launched in December 2016, with an objective of empowering consumers with reliable product information. This is particularly important since most of the scanning applications bank on crowd-sourced product data, which, at time, is incorrect and mislead consumers. In the sharp contrast, data populated on the Smart Consumer app is sourced directly from brand owners of products.

A simple scan of the barcode, starting with ‘890’, using the Smart Consumer mobile app, enables consumers to access information, such as brand name, ingredients, product image, MRP, net content, dimensions, Regulatory information like FSSAI/ISI/BEE license number and its validity, etc.

Smart Consumer app can also be used to share feedback on products, directly with their manufacturers.

So, what are you waiting for? Download the Smart Consumer app from your Google Play or Apple Store, and start scanning barcodes starting with ‘890’. 

Reaching Out Across Offline & Online Sales Channels Through GS1 Barcode Numbers

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Selling is no longer confined to physical retail outlets. With proliferation of online shopping portals, consumers today look up, evaluate and purchase products through a mix of offline and online selling channels. This enables them make better informed purchase decisions on variety, price and location at just a click of a button.

While five years ago, fbb (Future Retail’s fashion brand), sold its popular own brand merchandise  through its retail outlets only, it now sells them through its own shopping portal and that of several other leading shopping portals like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Paytm, etc. This has very significantly enhanced market reach and accessibility to its wide range of apparel products.

To enable the above, fbb switched from using its proprietary barcode numbers to GS1 barcode numbers (EAN codes), which was a key requirement for listing products on multiple online shopping portals.  This also allows fbb to provide a lot more consumer related information about its products than what was possible earlier through offline sales channels, since its SKU data gets populated into GS1 India’s DataKart, the online national repository of information on retailed products and their attributes, linked through the GS1 barcode number.

DataKart also enables it generate and allocate unique barcode numbers to thousands of its products, without ambiguity and with the assurance that its products would get recognised and accepted since GS1 standards are the de facto product identification standards in retail worldwide.

“Internally, we no longer have to maintain and manage two separate supply chains for offline & online and we now have real time visibility to inventories and stock movements, whether selling through our retail stores or catering to requirements of multiple shopping portals.  This eliminates unnecessary effort and costs in managing our supply chain and logistics operations, while enhancing our ability to seamlessly meet requirements of today’s omni channels and ensure our product availability at all times to shoppers”, said Me. Alok Dharadhar,  Chief – Retail & Head, Business Processes at fbb

Through GS1 India’s ‘Smart Consumer’ mobile app which has been downloaded by thousands of consumers across the country, fbb now has the ability to reach out directly to consumers and market its own brand products, a lot more effectively through a scan of the GS1 barcode on our products.

The switch to GS1 barcode numbers has also helped it streamline and maintain a single coding structure for our entire range of products, which greatly simplifies its product item master management, ordering and supplies receipt operations.

All You Need to Know About Getting GS1 Barcode Numbers for your Products

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Barcode numbers play a crucial role in supply chains, including selling products over the counter and listing them on e-commerce websites. They help retailers and e-tailers in uniquely identifying each product and differentiating them from each other.

Over 2 million brand owners use GS1 barcodes across the globe, making it a de facto standard for the retail industry worldwide.

It is important to note that GS1 India is the only authorised body in India to issue GS1 barcode numbers. However, before making a purchase decision, let’s find out some of the benefits of GS1 barcode numbers

Comply with various national and international regulations

Various national and international regulatory bodies have endorsed the use of GS1 barcodes on products. Use of GS1 barcode numbers help you in complying with various requirements, including that of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, DGFT, US FDA, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Delhi Excise EU Regulations on UDI, and more. Read more.

Listing products with online and offline retailers

GS1 barcode numbers on your products enable you to list your products faster with leading retailers and online shopping portals.

Higher search ranking of your products

GS1 barcode numbers, when used on a product webpage, shows 40% improvement in search results.

Easy barcode management

GS1’s DataKart service enables free and easy barcode number management and generation of barcode images. Read more about the benefits of DataKart.

GS1 India is the only authorized body to issue GS1 barcodes in India

Read about the business impact of buying barcodes from unauthorized sources.

An affiliate of GS1 Global, GS1 India is a standards organisation by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India and Bureau of Indian Standards. GS1 barcode is a 13-digit numeric code with prefix ‘890’ that is registered trademark under GS1 India.

What to do in case you come across unauthorised selling of GS1 barcode numbers?

In case you notice any agency or organisation claiming to provide GS1 barcodes at lower costs, you may report the activity to GS1 India. Give us a call on 011-42890830 or visit https://www.gs1india.org/content/contact-us/. You can also contact GS1 India in case of any query related to purchasing or using GS1 barcode numbers on your products.

Compliance with National and International Regulations Made Easy with GS1 Barcodes

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Barcode numbers or unique product codes give an identity to your products, whether you are selling them online or through retain channels. But the benefits of having barcodes are not just confined to having an identity or ease of selling. The benefits are multipronged. One such important benefit of identifying your products with GS1 barcodes is compliance with several government regulations.

Compliance with national and international regulations

Various national and international regulations currently require/endorse the need for GS1 barcode numbers on products. Some of these include:

  • DGFT Public Notice No. 52 2015/2020 mandates use of GS1 barcodes on exported medicines to facilitate track & trace and authentication
  • Delhi Excise department uses barcodes on liquor for authentication
  • Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s Medical Devices Rules 2017, states global trade item number (GTIN) for medical devices
  • U.S. FDA Regulation for Unique Device Identifier (UDI) for medical devices
  • EU Regulations on medical devices and on in-vitro diagnostics
  • Other regulations, including the Russian Federation law which will be in full force as of January 1, 2020; the EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) which went into full force on February 9, 2018; the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) where serialization mandate went into effect on November 27, 2018

Connect with consumers using Smart Consumer app

With GS1 barcode numbers on your products, you can upload your product information on GS1’s DataKart service, which feeds data to the Smart Consumer mobile app. Consumers can access this product data while scanning the product barcode using the Smart Consumer mobile app. This helps them to get the complete product information of the product, which may not be readable/available on the packaging of products including cosmetics, personal care, etc. This helps a consumer to make better purchasing decision and consume with awareness.

Further, as a part of Digital India and consumer empowerment initiatives, regulatory bodies such as FSSAI and AGMARK have directed brand owners to publish their product data on Smart Consumer app, to make it accessible to consumers.

Please note that GS1 India is the only authorised body to sell and issue GS1 barcode numbers (numbers starting with 890) in the country. Buying your barcode numbers from an authentic source – GS1 India – benefits your business in multiple ways, including compliance with regulatory requirements, improved search results, automated data capture and more.

Business Impact of Buying Barcodes from Unauthorized Sources

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

If you are a business owner selling products through retail chains and/or online shopping websites, it comes without saying that your products need to be identified with barcode numbers/unique product codes. These barcode numbers not only enable you to sell products through modern retail channels (online and in-store), but also come with a plethora of other benefits for your business.

It is important to note that GS1 India is the only authorised body to sell and issue GS1 barcode numbers (numbers starting with ‘890’) in the country. Buying your barcode numbers from an authentic source – GS1 India – benefits your business in multiple ways including compliance with regulatory requirements, improved search results, automated data capture and more.

Despite these facts, there are a lot of companies that, due to pricing options, choose to invest in barcodes that are not directly issued by GS1 India. While the offer seems lucrative at first, the consequences of buying barcodes from unauthorised sources can impact your business adversely in the long run. Below are some of such impacts:

Multiple vendors, increased costs

One of the benefits of buying barcodes from GS1 India is the free access to DataKart service for managing product and barcode information. When you buy barcode numbers from an unauthorised source, you need to find and pay packaging and other vendors for encoding barcode numbers into barcode images, which eventually increases your overall cost.

Major retail channels only accept GS1 barcode numbers

Most of the big retail channels in India, both offline and online, only accept products with GS1 barcode numbers to list in their systems (item masters) and avoid scanning issues at the checkout counters. In such cases, barcodes bought from unauthorised sources becomes unusable, therefore, compelling the brand owner to scrap their entire product packaging along with the old barcodes and replace it with new barcode numbers (procured from GS1 India) and new packaging carrying the same.

Hence, to safeguard your business from such nuances, it is advisable to buy GS1 barcode numbers from GS1 India only.

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